Seattle Saves Money By Housing Homeless Drinkers

The city of Seattle has saved more than $2 million annually by providing housing for formerly homeless alcoholics, USA Today reported.

A publicly funded building in Seattle now houses 75 residents who previously lived on the streets. Residents are allowed to drink in their apartments — a controversial policy — but they also are far less likely to spend time in the county jail and local emergency rooms, and counselors and treatment programs are available onsite for those who want it.

Portland, Ore., is another city to take a “housing first” approach to its homelessness population, and has cut its chronic homeless population by 70 percent. Today, the city can offer housing to almost any homeless resident who wants it.